Factors associated with anxiety about colonoscopy

Published ahead of print, the Digestive Diseases & Sciences evaluates the associations between patient characteristics and anxiety in each area.

Previous research has assessed anxiety around colonoscopy procedures, but has not considered anxiety related to different aspects related to the colonoscopy process.

Before colonoscopy, Dr Shafer and colleagues from Canada assessed anxiety about bowel preparation, the procedure, and the anticipated results.

The team evaluated associations between patient characteristics and anxiety in each area.

An anonymous survey was distributed to patients immediately prior to their outpatient colonoscopy in 6 hospitals and two ambulatory care centers in Winnipeg, Canada.

Anxiety was assessed using a visual analog scale. For each aspect, logistic regression models were used to explore associations between patient characteristics and high anxiety.

High anxiety about the procedure was associated with confusing instructions

Digestive Diseases & Sciences

The researchers found that a total of 1316 respondents completed the questions about anxiety.

Anxiety scores > 70 were reported by 18% about bowel preparation, 29% about the procedure, and 28% about the procedure results.

The team found that high anxiety about bowel preparation was associated with female sex, perceived unclear instructions, unfinished laxative, and no previous colonoscopies.

High anxiety about the procedure was associated with female sex, no previous colonoscopies, and confusing instructions.

The research team observed that high anxiety about the results was associated with symptoms as an indication for colonoscopy and instructions perceived as confusing.

Dr Shafer's team concludes, "Fewer people had high anxiety about preparation than about the procedure and findings of the procedure."

"There are unique predictors of anxiety about each colonoscopy aspect."

"Understanding the nuanced differences in aspects of anxiety may help to design strategies to reduce anxiety, leading to improved acceptance of the procedure, compliance with preparation instructions, and less discomfort with the procedure."